EU Postpones Decision on Granting Russia Gas-Pipeline Access

Delay Comes as Talks on Ukraine Gas Feud Put Off

BRUSSELS-The European Union Monday again postponed a decision on whether to grant Russia full access to its OPAL natural-gas pipeline, frustrating Moscow's efforts to boost energy exports to the 28-country bloc.

The European Commission cited technical reasons for the delay, which coincided with its announcement that planned talks between Russia, Ukraine and the EU to resolve a gas feud were also postponed.